Volkswagen Passat 2018 Review The Passat lineup consists of S, SE, SEL, GT, and R-Line trim levels. Most Passats you’ll find on dealer ...
Volkswagen Passat 2018 Review
The Passat lineup consists of S, SE, SEL, GT, and R-Line trim levels. Most Passats you’ll find on dealer lots have a new 2.0-liter inline-4 engine under their hoods. This turbocharged engine puts out 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and it shuttles power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the Passat SEL and standard on the Passat GT is a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 280 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque also paired to a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
We’ve driven Passats and we’ve driven other VWs with the new turbo-4, but we’ve not had the opportunity to pair the two together. In other VWs, the engine is smooth and responsive, but given the sedan’s 3,300-pound curb weight, acceleration likely will be adequate rather than fast. The V-6 is much stronger, but also much thirstier at 22 mpg combined versus 29 for the inline-4.
The Passat’s steering is light but responsive and its chassis delivers a firmer ride than some more softly sprung rivals. Don’t confuse that with sportiness, but the Passat is composed and confidence-inspiring on a curvy road.
Where the Passat really excels is inside. Although sized a little narrow compared to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Passat’s interior boasts true stretch-out room in the back seat and mostly high-grade materials. A nearly 16 cubic-foot trunk is another asset.
At the entry level, the Passat S can feel basic—it lacks the heated seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and keyless ignition we’ve come to expect at around $24,000. Rivals mostly offer more for less. Higher-spec Passats are more loaded, and they’re a better value for the money. In our eyes, the sweet spot is the Passat SE at about $27,000 with its standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, synthetic leather upholstery, moonroof, CarPlay/Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Every trim is available with automatic emergency braking and the Passat has generally scored well in crash-testing.
Performance
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is available with two engines, but neither turns it into a thrilling sports sedan. We’ve awarded the lineup a single point above average for a comfortable ride. It gets a 6 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Most Passats leave the automaker’s Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant with a turbo-4 engine. This year, it’s a 2.0-liter unit that’s a little larger but not much more powerful than last year’s 1.8-liter. By the numbers, it checks in with 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which comes on at a low 1,500 rpm. A 6-speed automatic shuttles power to the front wheels.
We’ve not yet driven a Passat with the new 2.0-liter, but we have driven this engine in the smaller Jetta and have found adequate, if not exactly exciting performance. Tack on a couple hundred pounds to get to the roughly 3,300-pound Passat and it’s easy to imagine acceptable acceleration.
Included with the Passat GT and optional on the SEL is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 280 hp and 258 lb-ft—figures VW achieved using premium fuel, not the acceptable regular unleaded. A 6-speed automatic again sends power to the front wheels only. The V-6 is a strong performer that delivers confident passing power, albeit with more underhood grumbling than we’d like to see at these prices.
A turbodiesel was once offered on the Passat, but it’s gone after VW admitted to cheating on federal emissions tests. Don’t look for another Passat TDI any time soon—if ever.
Most Passats share the same suspension tuning, which is relatively taut and delivers good body control without feeling too harsh over rough pavement. Larger alloy wheels like the 19-inch units on the R-Design amplify road imperfections, so shop carefully if you live where the tarmac resembles the moon’s craters.
Though the Passat’s suspension is more for comfortable touring than corner carving, its light, direct steering is a delight to hustle along on a curvy road.
This year’s new Passat GT has a firmer suspension and its own steering parameters, but we’ve not driven one yet. We’ll update this space when we’ve had more time behind the wheel.
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